Grey Goose Vodka Arbiter of Cool Vancouver
7 Comments
Claudia Cusano (Editor of Nuvo Magazine) and Judith Lane (freelance writer for such publications as the Georgia Straight, Flavours, BC Restaurant News) were my esteemed co-judges. We were introduced to three mixologists and guided to three seperate venues by last year’s Arbiter of Cool winner, David Wolowidnyk.
Mixologist: Simon Kaulback
Home Base: Blue Water Cafe in Yaletown
Drink: Rosemary’s Baby
Features: Chartreuse, rosemary
Notes: Absolutely delicious and surprising – the rosemary is so unique and was inspired by time Simon spent in New Zealand.
Mixologist: Shaun Layton
Home Base: George in Yaletown
Drink: Passiflora
Features: Passion fruit, Champagne, sake
Notes: With so many ingredients and stuffed with crushed ice, it was a lovely fusion-style patio sipping drink.
Mixologist: Kerren Bottay
Home Base: The Mountain Club in Whistler
Drink: Goggle Tan
Features: Aloe juice, cayenne pepper
Notes: Another original blend with a real spicy kick, very tasty.
“Dimitri Lezinska, the Grey Goose Vodka brand ambassador based in London, inaugurated the Pour Masters Program in 2007. As the name suggests, Pour Masters are the best mixologists in their city, selected for their expertise and creativity in creating and mixing truly excellent cocktails. The Arbiter of Cool competition, launched in fall 2007, is intended to take Canadian mixology to the next level. It is an annual, national competition for Pour Masters…” – [Grey Goose]
The drinks (all containing vodka) were distinct and flavourful, each competitor adding their own spin and special ingredients. Compliments also go to the chefs at all three bars who made delicious pairings for the drinks. The winner of the Vancouver regional competition will join those from Montreal, Toronto and Calgary back here in Vancouver at the end of September for the national competition.
You can view the rest of my photos from our delectable afternoon in my Flickr set.
del.icio.us
digg this
newsvine
reddit
magnolia
August 15th, 2008 at 9:25 am
what a dedicated blogger you are – always impressive with the drinkies!
August 15th, 2008 at 11:05 am
And I look forward to more Grey Goose samples this evening.
August 15th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Oh , it’s a hard life !
August 18th, 2008 at 10:30 am
[...] week I was one of the lucky judges in the Vancouver regional Grey Goose Vodka Arbiter of Cool [...]
September 4th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
[...] month I was one of three judges in the Grey Goose Vodka Arbiter of Cool mixology contest. After writing two posts about the event I was contacted by a different vodka [...]
October 4th, 2008 at 10:44 am
[...] but I knew I couldn’t pass up this event (especially since I had such a good time at the Grey Goose Arbiter of Cool earlier this [...]
June 8th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
[...] no stranger to mixology contests so this should be one entertaining event. As for my sample bottles, so far nothing’s ever [...]